Having one-on-one classes is good but really intense. I had double of both math and APUSH this week. I meet with them every day, but to make up for field trip days we have a few double classes, where we meet twice in one day. For math, we break it up with lunch in between. For APUSH we have a review then a test or quiz later in the day. My math teacher is going really fast trying to cover all the material. Being the only student is okay, but it means that if I don’t get something I always have to ask and no one else can really help explain it. It also means that he also goes fast as he think that I already get it, even when I don’t. It’s hard having to continually make him stop or slow down. He gives lots of homework. This is okay but it’s really stressful trying to complete it before class with so much going on. I typically have to give up going out or hanging out to try get my math finished. There’s so much happening around me that it can be really hard to focus. I took my unit one test today so I am hoping it went okay.

 On Wednesday everyone had their first unit test in core. Everyone was studying together, which was cool. To help with the stress the madrichim taught us a chant and had us do a dance. We had a dance party the day before to help relieve some stress; it was so fun to dance and let loose. The test itself wasn’t that bad. It did require us to study and pay attention in class, though. I am going to have my first APUSH test this week. I think it will go well. I enjoy the setup of the class. I read half a chapter before class then we talk and he mentions what I missed. It focuses more on the interconnectedness of history instead of memorization. In Hebrew, we just finished learning the alefbet. I am trying to get better at script, but it’s hard. I found an article which gives tips on how to learn it, so I am hoping to make time tomorrow and do it then. Lots of people speak English here, so you don’t need to know Hebrew, but having the chance to learn it was the main reason I wanted to come to Israel.

 We went on a special three-day trip after the core test. It was just a fun trip. We were supposed to go on a seven-hour hike. I had to stop about 10 minutes into it, though. The arch of my foot was in so much pain I wanted to cry. Noam took me back to the bus and I hung out with other injured kids in Eilat. We went to the mall and tried to see a movie, but the movie theater wasn’t showing anything until much later that day. We walked around town and my foot hurt some but not half as much. We went to the boardwalk and grabbed lunch at Aroma, which was really nice. Then we headed to the beach, but as none of us had swim suits or a lifeguard, we just chilled on the shore. It was really nice to just listen to the sea.

 When we rejoined the group it was time for DOTS. We got Falafel Lasha, then ice cream and crepes. It was nice to hear about the hike. I wish I could have gone, but I had a good day in town, too. We headed to the kibbutz where we were spending the weekend. It was a bit of drive but really cool. I like that they separated us into different roommates than we have in the dorms. I like my regular roommates, but mixing up the group helps people to continue to get to know each other.

 Friday we did a short 3 hour hike then got to see three countries from the top. We could see Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. We broke into groups by core class and talked about what we would bring to the group. I said fun facts. It was great how nice and supportive other peoples were.

 We then had free time on the kibbutz to get ready for Shabbat. We all went to services together. They were beautiful and filled with song. I really enjoyed the service. The food was good; it was nice to get different food than the things here on campus.

 Saturday most people slept in, then we learned about life on the kibbutz, including how decisions are made and the committees they have, then we got a tour of the property, learned about how they make money, and discussed how socialism there works. They also talked about how they figured out how to grow an ancient date tree, their algal production, and solar business. They have organic equality and have lots of cool things.It was a great way to finish the week.